Friday, November 16, 2012

It's almost winter time and that means it is time to get ready for the snow and ice. Personally, I hate winter. Sure, it's beautiful when it snows but it is not pretty when I have to drive in it. I like to take precautions with my little car. I make sure the tires are in good shape. I make sure to put supplies in my car in case something happens.

Thanks to the International Carwash Association (ICA) I have some great tips to get your car ready for the winter. ICA through its Wash With WaterSavers consumer awareness campaign, is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.

Here are the tips:

1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counter intuitive to get your car nice and shiny for what’s often the sloppiest season, but a thorough wash can remove harmful compounds that may cause damage when mixed with sand and road salt. Experts from the International Carwash Association also recommend a coat of wax for an extra layer of protection from the elements.· Professional car washes can also save up to 20 percent of the amount of water you’d use by washing your car at home. They do this by treating and reusing their water, rather than releasing toxic chemicals and grime into the storm drains, which can often occur with pavement washing. Check out Wash With Water Savers to see how professional car washes save water and help prevent pollution.2. Check fluids – Check your coolant to make sure you have enough, as you’ll be left without heat if you don’t. Consult your owner’s manual to find the correct blend if you need to add more. It’s never a bad idea to keep extra coolant in your trunk in case of an emergency. Don’t forget about extra wiper fluid, either. It’s not expensive, so stock up!3. Winter emergency kit – In addition to stocking your car with a scraper and brush, it’s a good idea to include a few provisions in case you get stranded in snowy and cold conditions. Pack extra blankets, hats and gloves, high-energy snacks like granola bars, drinking water and a first-aid kit. We have created an exclusive Winter Emergency Kit for you and one of your blog readers. 4. Test your battery – The next time you have the car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to test your battery to make sure it can provide enough starting power once the temperature plummets.5. Check your wipers – When sloppy weather hits, you’ll want to make sure you have strong wiper blades to see through the elements. Checking your wiper blades for wear and replacing them if needed can prevent huge visibility headaches once snow and sleet arrive.

These are great tips. I would definitely suggest that you make sure your tires have good tread on them so they can hug the road. Also, keep your tires at the correct tire pressure. The other tip I would offer is to make sure that you always have more than a half tank of gas in the car just in case of any emergency.

I am hoping that it doesn't snow too much this winter because I really dislike driving in the snow. I am a California girl and it's still pretty scary to me! But these tips and my new emergency kit are sure to keep me safer this winter!

Thanks to the folks at ICA, I have a wonderful Emergency Car Kit for one lucky reader! This is a great kit to pop into your car during the winter or summer. It is surely going to be a lifesaver if something happens. Here is what is included in the kit:

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

make sure you clean all snow off the top of your car; it can freeze and fall off potentially causing harm to others behind you; also carry a shovel and kitty litter in your car to help you gain traction should you get stuck in snow

Keep a round candle and matches in a metal can in your car. Then if you are stuck or break down where it is cold you can light the candle (open the window a tiny bit) and it will keep you warm until you get help.

Agreat safety tip I can think of is to read your car manual on how to drive it in ice and snow. It all depends on what braking assists the car has, what type of drive system it has. The driving method that makes one car safe, can be unsafe with the other car.

Always carry something in your purse to thaw the lock on your car in case it freezes over during a prolonged stay anywhere. Don't be lazy - clean the snow off the roof of your car. I've seen it fall onto the windshields of people as they drive, obstructing their view. Carry a car phone charger in case you're stranded and need to charge your phone in an emergency, which being stranded qualifies as.

My best advice is to keep some spare salt in the car, always salt your driveway and sidewalks! Also to make sure you have at least two things to clean your car off with..once one of mine broke and it sucked! Also spares of everything is important especially tires. Its even worse being stranded in the cold so bring a blanket in the back seat!fB: Rab Pom

I keep extra blankets and a shovel in my car. I also keep a small bag of snack food and drinks by the house door, and we grab it before we leave the house. You never know when you will get stranded somewhere.